A Much Anticipated Update

Hello Sweet Readers!  I apologize for being AWOL lately-- this move and getting Jason ready for S. Korea have taken up so much more time than I ever imagined it would.   Originally, I had hoped to start writing on a regular basis at the beginning of this month...  But that didn't happen.  Every time I thought about writing, something else would come up-- and it would get pushed to the back burner.

BUT TODAY I AM HAPPY TO ANNOUNCE.....

I hope to start writing on a regular basis starting in March!  Everything seems to be settling into place, and more often than not I've felt like something as been missing.  It's this space, my lovely readers, and just feeling like I have something other than work, sleep, and the gym to look forward to.

So buckle up kids-- today's post is going to be a long one.   If you want, I'll wait while you go to the bathroom, grab a snack, and put on some comfy clothes to get your read on...


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Ok, are you properly fed?  Pee free?  Comfortable in what you're wearing?  Then let's dive in, and start with the big move to California.

Shortly after announcing my decision to pack up and move to California, I did just that.  I put my clothes and toiletries into three duffle bags, filled the car with gas and drove the nearly 600 miles to my new home:  Sacramento, California.

The above picture sums up my road trip.  Gorgeous views, spilled chocolate covered almonds-- which are delicious, but not the best road trip food.... and my first time filling up with gas since my college days in Montana!

Once I arrived in California,  I stayed with my Aunt and Uncle for about two weeks while I looked for a new dwelling.  They live in American Canyon-- which is about an hour west of Sacramento!  I'll be honest-- I while I loved getting to know my family a little better, it was rough driving that long trek everyday to work.  I would get up, eat, get ready, drive to Sacramento, search for houses, go to work, drive home, and then pass out.... phew!  It still exhausts me just thinking about it!

Thankfully it only lasted a few weeks, because after searching my little heart out-- I found a place to call home... Want to take a tour?



That video is dedicated to my Aunt Maurie, who in every message she's written me has asked to see pictures of the inside of my house.   I did you one better!

My parents came down days after I found the house and brought my stuff... and my fur child Khloe!  Mom was a trooper... acting as Khloe's riding buddy the whole way down.  She was covered in hair almost from head to toe.  Thankfully she was rewarded with a George Straight Concert and a Trip to Dutch Bros.  (A story to tell for another time)... and dad as you can see above was rewarded with a trip to the Jelly Belly Factory.

He was like a kid in a candy shop... literally!  Running around the gift shop with armloads of stuff.  Unfortunately, he only got to take the teeny-tiny basket of stuff home.  But it was fun getting to learn how Jelly Beans are made-- and eat free samples.

I had barely unpacked my clothes when Jason arrived on a plane from Colorado.  It was so great to have my little family reunited at last-- even though it was only for a little bit....

Jason helped me build our new furniture, make dinner, buy us a new fridge, and morally supported me as I had a mini freak out about whether I made the right choice moving to California (Also another story, for another post).  It was great to have him here.

It was also hard.  I think we both thought we would have more time just to spend together.  But between my work schedule, and him rushing around to get ready for South Korea-- we had very small windows of time together.

On February 17th-- we woke up at the crack of dawn and drove the nearly 2 hours to San Francisco International Airport.  We arrived THREE AND A HALF HOURS EARLY, checked in, had the most expensive breakfast burritos we'd ever had, and said our tearful good-byes.

I watched him walk through security, and down the terminal....  and I've got to say, I've never been more proud of him!

We've been skyping with each other over the last week.  He seems to be doing well, and loving every minute of his adventure.  He will hopefully have his blog up and running soon so he can tell you all about his time in South Korea.

As hard as it was to say good-bye, I've been struck by an overwhelming sense of calm this past week.  I feel that we're both in the places we need to be right now-- and our relationship will only get stronger because of it.

Now to the job...

I've got to say, I am incredibly happy with the career move.  I was bored and unchallenged at my last job-- and if nothing else, just changing it up has given me a better reason to get out of bed in the morning.   It's nice to be somewhere new.  Everyone is friendly, the news content is well-rounded, and I've been more challenged in my first month here than in the 3 years I worked in Portland.

I would be lying if I said everything was perfect.  It's not, nothing is.... but the positives far outweigh the negatives of this new job.  I do miss my old co-workers terribly.  Nothing against the new ones,  but I miss those cooky Portlanders :)

The Jury is still out when it comes to my thoughts about being a Californian.  It's definitely a different place compared to my beloved Portland.  But Khloe and I have certainly had a great time exploring.  Plus, different isn't always a bad thing!  I'll get back to you after a year.

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Now to some housekeeping I want to discuss before I wrap this post up-- you may have noticed a new tab when you logged on.  During our time apart, I thought it would be good to start discussing relationships and making them work.  Most of my posts will focus on long-distance relationships because that's what I'm dealing with now-- but I hope to make this a permanent topic moving forward.   That doesn't mean I'll neglect my fitness posts, recipes, crafts, or travel entries.  I think they're all even more important now that I'm on my own and away from my major audience pool.

Ok friends,  thank you all for sticking with this post.  I wanted to give you an update so you all know I'm still alive and well.  I hope to slowly get back into a regular posting schedule starting next week.  Stay tuned!